Partially sighted pensioner targeted by distraction thieves in Oswestry
A 79-year-old partially sighted man was targeted by thieves in Oswestry who stole his bank card and then withdrew £250 from his account.
The pensioner, who walks with a white stick, was distracted by a man and a woman who stopped him to ask for directions.
Police believe he may have been deliberately targeted as the incident occurred shortly after he made a withdrawal from the Lloyds TSB cash point machine in Church Street.
The incident happened between 10am and 10.30am on Thursday as the man was walking home through Cae Glas Park when he was approached by a woman and a man.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson said today: "The woman appeared to be upset and was crying. In broken English, she stated her mother was extremely ill or dying and asked the man if he knew where Bramley Road was.
"At this point, the victim and the woman looked at a map she was holding and while the pensioner was being distracted, it seems her accomplice removed a cash-point card from his zipped coat pocket.
On arriving home, the man realised his card was missing and immediately returned to the bank to cancel it. He was told that £250 has been removed from his account about 10 minutes earlier.
The police spokesperson added: "It may well be this couple watched the man when he was at the cashpoint. They clearly distracted him to carry out the theft of his card. He was understandably very upset and it is important people are aware of this ruse and remain on their guard.
"We are also anxious for any information which may assist the police investigation into this crime. The number to call at Oswestry police station is 0300 333 3000, or alternatively, the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555 111."
The woman was described as white, in her mid twenties, about 5ft 6ins tall with straight dark hair. She was wearing a red or brown waist-length coat. The man was also white, about 5ft 11ins, in his twenties and wearing smart casual clothing.
